Islamic leaders, others hail choice of banker
Islamic and political leaders yesterday hailed Sanusi’s choice.
Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Wahab Oba, described Sanusi’s emergence as a positive development for the traditional institution.
Ahmed was optimistic that Sanusi would bring his wealth of experience to bear on sustaining Kano’s eminence in commerce and other sectors in Nigeria and West Africa.
Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun said Sanusi would bring his wealth of experience to bear on the appointment.
In statement by his spokesperson, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun urged the emir to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor by bringing further development to the emirate and the state.
“As an accomplished technocrat, I believe the new Emir will use his influence to foster peace and attract more development to the emirate and indeed the State,” the governor said.
He expressed happiness at Sanusi’s choice, praying Allah to grant him the wisdom and understanding to discharge the functions of the office.
Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola wished the former CBN governor a long and fruitful reign . He hoped Sanusi’s emergence would further cement the long-standing bond between the people of Kano and their brothers and sisters in Lagos and across the country with whom, he said, they have been living in peace and harmony.
Fashola said Sanusi was deserving of his elevation, adding that the former CBN governor endeared himself to the public with his brilliance, courage, professionalism and tact. Sanusi’s tenure as CBN governor, Fashola said, was eventful and useful in moving the country forward.
Praying that Sanusi’s reign would bring lasting peace and progress to the country, the governor wished him long life and congratulated the people of the ancient city; Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the people of Kano and Nigerians generally for making the right choice.
The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao, also congratulated Sanusi, describing his emergence as Allah’s wish.
He said: “The appointment of the new Emir is the wish of the Almighty Allah who gives power to whom He pleases”, making reference to the Holy Quran: Surah 3:26.
Arisekola prayed that “the Almighty God will guide, protect and always lead Sanusi in all his undertakings” adding: ‘’May the Almighty God also always assist him, with all powerful help and grant him the wisdom to lead his people on the right path to greater peace and progress’’.
The Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Prof Dawud Noibi, advised Sanusi to be accountable to God and uphold the truth always.
The revered scholar said Sanusi’s appointment confirms that Allah determines the end of everything.
He said: “He should maintain the spirit of accountability to God and adhere to the truth no matter how difficult the circumstances may be. I also advise that the new Emir should demonstrate the spirit of forgiveness which is one of the central teachings of Islam. He should use his new position in bringing about reconciliation with those who may have been regarded as his opponents. He should also try to cooperate with the leadership of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria with particular reference to the Sultan of Sokoto, who is the President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the two deputy presidents general in persons of the Shehu of Borno and Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola-Alao in a manner that brings peace and progress to the country.”
Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Prof Ishaq Lakin Akintola, expressed happiness that the kingmakers in Kano upheld the truth.
“We are glad that those who wanted to ridicule him has seen the naked truth. Those who want to ridicule Sanusi by abusing power have failed woefully. We hope Sanusi will continue to stand by the truth,” he said.
According to Akintola, Nigerian leaders should know that power is transient and it is like football. If it falls on your side now, it will roll to another person later.
“Those who oppress while in power should know that Allah’s power is the only permanent one. Man’s power could vanish at anytime but Allah’s power is eternity. Those who wanted to disgrace Sanusi by removing him unduly in office should have a lesson or more to learn from this new development. What Allah wants to give somebody, no human can withhold it and what Allah wants or does not want to give to somebody, no one can give it…. “Those who claim to be power brokers are lying. It is only Allah that can give or take away power,” Akintola said.
National Missioner, Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, said Sanusi’s appointment had shown that it is Allah alone that enthrones and dethrones.
Sheikh Ahmad enjoined Sanusi to bring his knowledge and vast experience to bear on the stool and particularly in restoring the glory of the metropolitan city.
He prayed Allah to grant Sanusi the charisma, saintly wisdom and measured courage the institution required.
Leader, Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i, urged him to forgive all those who tried to humiliate him out of office because Allah has vindicated him.
Sheikh Shafi’i, who said Sanusi remains the best among the contenders for the stool, said the former CBN chief had now assumed a position higher and different from his former office.
“This new position is different from the CBN job, the new emir should realize that he will be dealing with human beings of various characters and tribes unlike his dealings with currencies of different kinds while at CBN. This is a great responsibility. He should not forget history of past Islamic leaders in dealing justly with followers,” he said.
